U.S. patent application number 15/972595 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for projector and method for controlling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takehiko TONE, Sachio TSUBOI, Minoru YOKOBAYASHI.
Application Number | 20180255279 15/972595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53680326 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180255279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TONE; Takehiko ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
PROJECTOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
A projector includes: a first processor that controls the
projector; a second processor that controls the light source; and a
storage unit that stores parameters for the second processor to
control the light source. The second processor starts to control
the light source based on the parameters stored in the storage unit
when activated. When the parameters are changed, the first
processor stores the changed parameters in the storage unit.
Inventors: |
TONE; Takehiko;
(Matsumoto-Shi, JP) ; TSUBOI; Sachio;
(Matsumoto-Shi, JP) ; YOKOBAYASHI; Minoru;
(Matsumoto-Shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
53680326 |
Appl. No.: |
15/972595 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14572045 |
Dec 16, 2014 |
|
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15972595 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 9/3182 20130101;
H04N 9/3194 20130101; H04N 9/3161 20130101; H04N 9/3155
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 9/31 20060101
H04N009/31 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2014 |
JP |
2014-011066 |
May 19, 2014 |
JP |
2014-103137 |
Claims
1. A projector comprising: a light source; a first processor that
controls the projector; a second processor that controls the light
source; and a storage unit that stores parameters for the second
processor to control the light source, wherein the second processor
starts to control the light source based on the parameters stored
in the storage unit when activated, and when the parameters are
changed, the first processor stores the changed parameters in the
storage unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/572,045 filed Dec. 26, 2014, which claims
the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-011066 filed on
Jan. 24, 2014 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-103137,
filed May 19, 2014. The disclosure of the prior applications is
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a projector and a method
for controlling the same.
2. Related Art
[0003] In the related art, there has been a projector having two
processors, which include a processor that controls the whole
projector and a processor that performs a process on a video-output
system (including control for lighting a light source lamp). In
this projector, the video-output system processor receives
parameters required for control from the entire control processor.
Thus, the video-output system processor is not able to start a
process until the entire control processor is activated and sends
the parameters to the video-output system processor. Therefore, it
has taken time until the light source lamp is lighted after a power
source of the projector is turned ON, and a viewer has had to wait
to watch a video.
[0004] JP-A-2006-243324 discloses an image transmission system
which is provided with a "speed priority mode" and an
"image-quality priority mode". The "speed priority mode" is to
display an image even when the image is still being drawn. The
"image-quality priority mode" is to display the image after the
whole image is drawn. The technique disclosed in JP-A-2006-243324
changes a display method after the light source lamp is lighted,
and fails to shorten the time before the light source lamp is
lighted or the video is output.
[0005] In recent years, a solid light source such as a laser or LED
(Light Emitting Diode) is mounted as a light source of the
projector. The conventional discharge light source lamp takes a
long time to reach maximum brightness after the lamp is lighted,
but the solid light source takes a short time to reach maximum
brightness after the light source is lighted. Therefore, especially
when the projector is provided with the solid light source, it is
desired to shorten the time, after a power source of the projector
is turned ON, before the light source is lighted and the video is
output in order to take advantage of the merits of the solid light
source.
SUMMARY
[0006] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at
least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can
be implemented as the following forms or application examples.
Application Example 1
[0007] A projector according to this application example is a
projector, including: a first processor that controls the
projector; a second processor that controls a light source; and a
storage unit that stores parameters for the second processor to
control the light source, wherein the second processor starts to
control the light source based on the parameters stored in the
storage unit when activated, and when the parameters are changed,
the first processor stores the changed parameters in the storage
unit.
[0008] According to this projector, the first processor controls
the projector. The second processor controls the light source. The
storage unit stores parameters for the second processor to control
the light source. The second processor reads the parameters stored
in the storage unit when activated, and starts to control the light
source based on the parameters. When the parameters are changed,
the first processor stores the changed parameters in the storage
unit. Therefore, since the second processor reads the parameters
stored in the storage unit and starts to control the light source
when activated, it is not necessary to receive the parameters from
the first processor, thereby shortening a time before the light
source is lighted.
Application Example 2
[0009] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the second processor
activates in accordance with an activation command from the first
processor.
Application Example 3
[0010] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the second processor starts
to control the light source without a command from the first
processor after activated in accordance with the activation command
from the first processor.
[0011] According to this projector, the second processor activates
in accordance with the activation command from the first processor,
but starts to control the light source without the command from the
first processor. Thus, it is possible to shorten a time before the
light source is lighted. Moreover, the light source controlled by
the second processor is controlled under the integrated control of
the projector. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light
source from being lighted at an undesired timing or with undesired
parameters. Furthermore, the second processor is able to remain in
a reset state until the activation command arrives, thus power
consumption can be reduced.
Application Example 4
[0012] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the projector further
includes: a menu display unit that displays a menu image for
setting the projector; and an operation receiving unit that
receives operations performed in the menu image, wherein when the
parameters are changed in accordance with the operation received in
the menu image by the receiving unit, the first processor stores
the changed parameters in the storage unit.
[0013] According to this projector, the menu display unit displays
the menu image. The operation receiving unit receives the
operations performed in the menu image. When the parameters are
changed in the menu image, the first processor stores the changed
parameters in the storage unit. Therefore, even when the parameters
related to the second processor are changed in the menu image, the
second processor is able to read the changed parameters from the
storage unit and start to control the light source.
Application Example 5
[0014] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the first processor stores
predetermined parameters related to the second processor in the
storage unit when the projector is operated to be turned OFF.
[0015] According to this projector, when the projector is operated
to be turned OFF, the predetermined parameters are stored in the
storage unit. The predetermined parameters mean parameters related
to the second processor. Therefore, the second processor is able to
read the predetermined parameters from the storage unit and start
to control the light source.
Application Example 6
[0016] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the second processor
notifies the first processor when the light source is prepared to
be lighted, and that the first processor performs a predetermined
decision process when receiving the notification and instructs the
second processor to light the light source if a result of the
predetermined decision process is normal.
[0017] According to this projector, the second processor notifies
the first processor when the light source is prepared to be
lighted. The first processor performs the predetermined decision
process when receiving the notification. If the decision result is
normal, the first processor instructs the second processor to light
the light source. Therefore, the second processor lights the light
source when the decision result is normal. Thus, when the projector
is abnormal, it is possible to avoid lighting the light source.
Application Example 7
[0018] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the predetermined decision
process performed by the first processor is a decision process for
deciding whether a cooling mechanism of the projector functions
normally or not.
[0019] According to this projector, the predetermined decision
process means the decision process for deciding whether the cooling
mechanism of the projector functions normally or not. Therefore,
when the cooling mechanism is not normal, it is possible to avoid
lighting the light source.
Application Example 8
[0020] In the projector according to the application example
described above, it is preferable that the predetermined decision
process performed by the first processor is a decision process for
deciding whether a sensor for measuring an illuminance of the light
source is normally worked or not.
[0021] According to this projector, the predetermined decision
process is a decision process for deciding whether a sensor for
measuring an illuminance of the light source is normally worked or
not. Therefore, when the sensor is not normal, it is possible to
avoid lighting the light source.
Application Example 9
[0022] A method for controlling a projector according to this
application example is a method for controlling a projector which
includes: a first processor that controls the projector; a second
processor that controls a light source; and a storage unit that
stores parameters for the second processor to control the light
source, the method including: allowing the second processor to
start to control the light source on the basis of the parameters
stored in the storage unit when the second processor is activated;
and allowing the first processor to store, when the parameters are
changed, the changed parameters in the storage unit.
[0023] According to this method for controlling the projector, the
second processor reads the parameters stored in the storage unit
when activated, and starts to control the light source. Therefore,
it is not necessary to receive the parameters from the first
processor, thereby shortening a time before the light source is
lighted.
[0024] When the projector and the method for controlling the same
as described above are achieved using a computer provided in the
projector, the forms or application examples may be configured as a
program for realizing the functions, or as a recording medium which
records the program in a computer-readable form. As the recording
medium, it is possible to use various computer-readable media, such
as a flexible disk, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), CD-ROM (Compact Disk
Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray Disc
(registered mark), a magnetic optical disk, a non-volatile memory
card, an internal memory of the projector (e.g. a semiconductor
memory such as RAM [Random Access Memory] or ROM [Read-only
Memory]), or an external memory (e.g. a USB [Universal Serial Bus]
memory).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a top view of an optical system of the projector
according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating a rotational
fluorescent plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front
view of the rotational fluorescent plate, and FIG. 2B is a
sectional view of the rotational fluorescent plate taken along a
line A1-A1 in FIG. 2A.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram indicating a skeleton framework of
the projector.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an activation process of the
projector.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment
[0030] The projector including a laser light source as a solid
light source will be described hereinafter as an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a top view of the optical system of the projector
1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a thickness of a
component of the rotational fluorescent plate 52 is overdrawn for
easy understanding.
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating the rotational
fluorescent plate 52 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A is a
front view of the rotational fluorescent plate 52, and FIG. 2B is a
sectional view of the rotational fluorescent plate 52 taken along a
line A1-A1 in FIG. 2A.
[0033] A first illuminating device 102 is provided with a first
light source device 30, a light collection optical system 40, the
rotational fluorescent plate 52, a motor 50, a collimate optical
system 60, a first lens array 120, a second lens array 130, a
polarization conversion element 140 and a superimposed lens
150.
[0034] The first light source device 30 includes a laser light
source (solid light source) which emits blue light (peak of light
intensity: approximately 445 nm) consisting of later beam as
excitation light. The light source device may include a single
laser light source or a plurality of the laser light sources.
Moreover, the light source device which emits blue light having a
wavelength other than 445 nm (e.g. 460 nm) may be employed.
[0035] The light collection optical system 40 is provided with a
first lens 42 and a second lens 44. The light collection optical
system 40 is arranged in an optical path from the first light
source device 30 to the rotational fluorescent plate 52, and allows
the substantially-collected blue light to enter a fluorescent layer
56 (to be described below). The first lens 42 and the second lens
44 consist of convex lenses.
[0036] The rotational fluorescent plate 52 is a so-called
transmissive rotational fluorescent plate. As shown in FIGS. 1 to
2B, the fluorescent layer 56 is continuously formed on a part of a
circular plate 55, which is rotatable by the motor 50, along with a
circumferential direction of the circular plate 55. A region where
the fluorescent layer 56 is formed includes a region which the blue
light enters. The rotational fluorescent plate 52 is configured to
emit red light and green light toward a side opposite to a
blue-light incidence side.
[0037] The blue light from the first light source device 30 enters
the rotational fluorescent plate 52 from a side of the circular
plate 55.
[0038] The fluorescent layer 56 converts the blue light from the
first light source device 30 into light including the red light and
the green light. In particular, the fluorescent layer 56 is
effectively excited by the blue light having a wavelength of
approximately 445 nm, and converts the blue light emitted from the
first light source device 30 into yellow light (fluorescence)
including the red light and the green light.
[0039] The collimate optical system 60 is provided with a first
lens 62 which suppresses the expansion of the light from the
rotational fluorescent plate 52, and a second lens 64 which allows
the light from the first lens 62 to be approximately parallel, as
shown in FIG. 1. That is, the collimate optical system 60 has a
function which allows the light from the rotational fluorescent
plate 52 to be approximately parallel. The first lens 62 and the
second lens 64 consist of convex lenses.
[0040] The first lens array 120 has a plurality of first small
lenses 122 which are used for splitting the light from the
collimate optical system 60 into partial luminous fluxes. The first
lens array 120 functions as a luminous flux splitting element for
splitting the light from the collimate optical system 60 into
partial luminous fluxes, and has a configuration in which the
plurality of first small lenses 122 are arranged in a shape of
matrix with multi-rows and multi-columns within a plane where the
plurality of first small lenses 122 are perpendicular to an
illumination axis 102ax. The description accompanying the drawing
is omitted, but an outer shape of the first small lens 122 is a
shape substantially similar to outer shapes of image forming
regions of liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B.
[0041] The second lens array 130 has a plurality of second small
lenses 132 corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses 122
of the first lens array 120. The second lens array 130 has a
function of forming an image of each first small lens 122 of the
first lens array 120 in the vicinity of the image forming regions
of the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B,
together with the superimposed lens 150. The second lens array 130
has a configuration in which the plurality of second small lenses
132 are arranged in a shape of matrix with multi-rows and
multi-columns within a plane where the plurality of second small
lenses 132 are perpendicular to the illumination axis 102ax.
[0042] The polarization conversion element 140 is a polarization
conversion element which emits each partial luminous flux split by
the first lens array 120, as substantially one type of linearly
polarized light having an aligned polarization direction.
[0043] The polarization conversion element 140 includes: a
polarization separation layer in which one of the linearly
polarized components included in the light from the rotational
fluorescent plate 52 is permeated as it is, and the other of the
linearly polarized components is reflected in a direction
perpendicular to the illumination axis 102ax; a reflective layer
which reflects the other of the linearly polarized components
reflected by the polarization separation layer towards a direction
parallel to the illumination axis 102ax; and a phase difference
plate which converts the other of the linearly polarized components
reflected by the reflective layer into the one of the linearly
polarized components.
[0044] The superimposed lens 150 is an optical element for
collecting each of the partial luminous fluxes from the
polarization conversion element 140 and for superimposing the
collected fluxes in the vicinity of the image forming regions of
the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B.
The superimposed lens 150 is arranged such that an optical axis of
the superimposed lens 150 coincides with an optical axis of the
first illuminating device 102. Moreover, the superimposed lens 150
may be configured as a compound lens combining a plurality of
lenses. The first lens array 120, the second lens array 130 and the
superimposed lens 150 constitute an integrated optical system which
uniforms an in-plane light intensity distribution of the light from
the rotational fluorescent plate 52.
[0045] A second illuminating device 700 is provided with a second
light source device 710, a light collection optical system 720, a
scattering plate 730, a polarization conversion integrator rod 740
and a condensing lens 750.
[0046] The second light source device 710 is a laser light source
which emits blue light (peak of light intensity: approximately 445
nm) consisting of later beam as color light.
[0047] The light collection optical system 720 is provided with a
first lens 722 and a second lens 724 as shown in FIG. 1. The light
collection optical system 720 allows the substantially-collected
blue light to enter the scattering plate 730. The first lens 722
and the second lens 724 consist of convex lenses.
[0048] The scattering plate 730 scatters the blue light from the
second light source device 710 with a predetermined degree of
scattering to generate blue light with a light distribution similar
to that of the fluorescent light (the red light and the green light
emitted from the rotational fluorescent plate 52). As the
scattering plate 730, for example, a frosted glass consisting of an
optical glass may be employed.
[0049] The polarization conversion integrator rod 740 uniforms an
in-plane light intensity distribution of the blue light from the
second light source device 710, and converts the blue light into
substantially one type of linearly polarized light having an
aligned polarization direction. Even though the detailed
description is omitted, the polarization conversion integrator rod
740 has: an integrator rod; a reflective plate which is arranged on
an incidence plane side of the integrator rod and has a small hole
that the blue light enters; and a reflective polarization plate
which is arranged on an emitting plane side.
[0050] The condensing lens 750 collects the light from the
polarization conversion integrator rod 740 and allows it to enter
in the vicinity of the image forming region of the liquid-crystal
light modulation device 400B.
[0051] A color separation light guide optical system 202 is
provided with a dichroic mirror 210, and reflective mirrors 222,
230 and 250. The color separation light guide optical system 202
separates the light from the first illuminating device 102 into the
red light and the green light, and guides each of the color light,
i.e. the red light and the green light from the first illuminating
device 102 and the blue light from the second illuminating device
700, to the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B, which are lighting objects, respectively.
[0052] The red light passed through the dichroic mirror 210 is
reflected by the reflective mirror 230, and enters the image
forming region of the liquid-crystal light modulation device 400R
for the red light via the condensing lens 300R. The green light
reflected by the dichroic mirror 210 is further reflected by the
reflective mirror 222, and enters the image forming region of the
liquid-crystal light modulation device 400G for the green light via
the condensing lens 300G.
[0053] The blue light from the second illuminating device 700 is
reflected by the reflective mirror 250, and enters the image
forming region of the liquid-crystal light modulation device 400B
for the blue light via the condensing lens 300B.
[0054] The liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B form a color image by modulating incident color light in
accordance with image information, which are lighting objects of
the illuminating devices 102 and 700. Even though not shown,
incidence-side polarization plates are interposed and arranged
between each of the condensing lenses 300R, 300G and 300B and each
of the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B,
respectively. Moreover, emitting-side polarization plates are
interposed and arranged between each of the liquid-crystal light
modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B and a cross dichroic prism
500, respectively. The respective incident color light is subjected
to light-modulation by the incidence-side polarization plates, the
liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B, and
the emitting-side polarization plates.
[0055] The liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B are transmissive liquid-crystal light modulation devices which
seal and enclose the liquid crystal, an electro-optical material,
between a pair of transparent glass substrates. This device
modulates, for example, the polarization direction of one type of
the linearly polarized light, which enters from the incidence-side
polarization plate, in accordance with a given image signal with a
poly silicon TFT as a switching element.
[0056] The cross dichroic prism 500 is an optical element which
synthesizes optical images modulated for each color light emitted
from the emitting-side polarization plate to form the color image.
This cross dichroic prism 500 has an approximately square shape in
a plan view, which is configured by bonding four right-angle
prisms. Dielectric multilayer films are formed at the substantially
X-shaped interface of the right angle prisms. The dielectric
multilayer film formed on one plane of the X-shaped interface
reflects the red light, and the dielectric multilayer film formed
on the other plane of the X-shaped interface reflects the blue
light. The red light and the blue light are bent by these
dielectric multilayer films and aligned in a traveling direction of
the green light, thereby synthesizing the three colors.
[0057] The color image emitted from the cross dichroic prism 500 is
expanded and projected by a projection optical system 600. The
image is formed on a screen SCR.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram indicating a skeleton framework of
the projector 1.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the projector 1 is provided with an
image projection unit 10, an entire control processor 20 which
corresponds to the first processor, an operation receiving unit 21,
a storage unit 22, a frame memory 23, a video signal input unit 24,
a video-output system processor 25 which corresponds to the second
processor, and a frame memory 26.
[0060] The image projection unit 10 includes: the light source
devices 30 and 710, which correspond to the light source; three
liquid-crystal light modulation device 400R, 400G and 400B which
correspond to the light modulation device; the projection optical
system 600; and a liquid-crystal driving unit 14, etc. The image
projection unit 10 modulates the light emitted from the light
source devices 30 and 170 to image light by the liquid-crystal
light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B, and projects the
image light by the projection optical system 600 to display the
image on the screen SCR.
[0061] The blue light consisting of the laser beam emitted from the
first light source device 30 causes the red light (R) and the green
light (G) to be emitted towards a side opposite to a side which the
blue light enters by the rotational fluorescent plate 52. The
second light source device 710 emits the blue light (B) consisting
of the laser beam. The respective light is converted into the light
with an approximately-uniformed luminance distribution by the
integrator optical system or the integrator rod, etc. The
respective light enters into each of the liquid-crystal light
modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B by the dichroic mirror 210
and the reflective mirrors 222, 230 and 250.
[0062] The liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B have rectangular pixel regions in which a plurality of pixels
(not shown) are arranged in a shape of matrix. The driving voltage
can be applied to the liquid crystal for respective pixels. The
liquid-crystal driving unit 14 applies the driving voltage for the
respective pixel in response to the input image information, the
respective pixel is set to a light transmission rate in accordance
with the image information. Therefore, the light emitted from the
light source devices 30 and 710 is converted by passing through the
pixel regions of the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R,
400G and 400B. The image light is formed for each color light in
response to the image information. The image light formed for each
color is synthesized for the respective pixel by the color
synthesizing optical system (the cross dichroic prism 500) to be
the colored image light. The colored image light is expanded and
projected by the projection optical system 600.
[0063] The entire control processor 20 is provided with a CPU
(Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is
used for temporary storage of various data, etc., a non-volatile
ROM (Read-only Memory), etc. The operation of the projector 1 is
subjected to the integrated control by operating the CPU in
accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. The entire
control processor 20 converts a video signal input by the video
signal input unit 24 into the image information which represents a
gradation of the respective pixel of the liquid-crystal light
modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B, i.e. the image information
which defines the driving voltage applied to the respective pixel,
to develop the image information in the frame memory 23. The entire
control processor 20 performs an image quality adjustment process,
etc. on the converted image information in order to adjust image
quality such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, shade, etc. The
image information subjected to the image quality adjustment
process, etc. is output to the video-output system processor
25.
[0064] Moreover, the entire control processor 20 controls a fan
which corresponds to the cooling mechanism, a motor for an aperture
of the lens, and a motor for a lens shutter. Furthermore, the
entire control processor 20 detects whether the fan functions
normally or not, whether the motor for the aperture functions
normally or not, whether the motor for the lens shutter functions
normally or not, and whether a sensor for measuring illuminance
values of the light source devices 30 and 710 functions normally or
not.
[0065] The entire control processor 20 performs a process to
superimpose an OSD (On-screen Display) image, e.g. a menu image or
a message image, on the image information. The entire control
processor 20 corresponds to the menu display unit when the menu
image is displayed.
[0066] The operation receiving unit 21 is an operation panel, etc.
which receives key operations from the user, and is provided with a
plurality of operation keys which allow the user to perform various
operations to the projector 1. The operation keys provided in the
operation receiving unit 21 of the embodiment include a power
source key which switches the ON/OFF of the power source, an input
switching key which switches the input image information, a menu
key which displays the menu image for various settings, a direction
key which is used for selecting an item within the menu image, a
decision key which confirms the selected item, etc.
[0067] When the user operates various operations keys of the
operation receiving unit 21, the operation receiving unit 21
receives this operation and outputs a control signal corresponding
to the operation key operated by the user to the entire control
processor 20. When the control signal is sent from the operation
receiving unit 21, the entire control processor 20 performs a
process based on the input control signal to control the operation
of the projector 1. Moreover, a remotely-operable remote control
(not shown) may be used as an operation input unit instead of the
operation receiving unit 21, or together with the operation
receiving unit 21. In this case, the remote control sends an
operation signal such as an infrared signal in response to the
user's operation, and a remote-control signal receiving unit (not
shown) receives the operation signal to transmit it to the entire
control processor 20.
[0068] The storage unit 22 is configured to include a non-volatile
memory. The storage unit 22 stores various setting values set by
the menu image and the parameters for controlling the video-output
and the light source devices 30 and 710. The storage unit 22 is
configured to be readable/writable by either of the entire control
processor 20 and the video-output system processor 25. The various
setting values and the parameters which are set by the menu images
are stored in the storage unit 22 by the entire control processor
20.
[0069] The parameters stored in the storage unit 22 include ON/OFF
setting information of initial image display (also known as "logo
image display") when the projector 1 is activated, information on
installment state of the projector 1 (rear projection, horizontal
inversion, vertical inversion, etc.), information on trapezoidal
distortion correction value, information on lighting numbers of the
laser light source, a light source type for the driving target,
current value information when the light source devices is lighted,
a light source adjustment value for adjusting the output balance of
the light source devices 30 an 710, an image quality adjustment
value, correction value information for pixel deviation, correction
value information for color unevenness, etc. The correction value
information for pixel deviation is used for correcting alignment
errors which occur when the liquid-crystal light modulation devices
400R, 400G and 400B are assembled. The correction value information
for color unevenness is used for correcting color unevenness which
occurs in a projection region due to individual differences between
the liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B.
[0070] Among these parameters, the ON/OFF setting information of
initial image display when activated, the information on
installment state, the information on trapezoidal distortion
correction value, the information on lighting numbers of the laser
light source, the information on light source type for the driving
target, the current value information when the light source device
is lighted, the light source balance adjustment value, the
correction value information for pixel deviation and the correction
value information for color unevenness are used in the video-output
system processor 25 when the power source is turned ON. Moreover,
the storage unit 22 stores the image information (image data) of
the initial image displayed when the projector 1 is activated.
[0071] The storage unit 22 stores a part of the parameters as the
predetermined parameters when the power source of the projector 1
is turned OFF. In particular, the storage unit 22 stores a light
source balance adjustment value, that is, for balancing the output
of the first light source device 30 which generates the red light
and green light and the output of the second light source device
710 which generates the blue light. When the power source of the
projector 1 is turned OFF, the entire control processor 20 detects
a balance between the outputs of the light sources, calculates the
adjustment value and stores the value in the storage unit 22. The
predetermined parameter stored in the storage unit 22 when the
power source of the projector 1 is turned OFF is not limited to the
light source balance adjustment value. The other parameters may
also be stored.
[0072] The frame memory 23 is a memory for storing the image
information per one screen. The entire control processor 20
develops the input image information in the frame memory 23 to
perform the image quality adjustment process, etc.
[0073] The video signal input unit 24 is provided with a plurality
of input terminals. The image signals in various formats are input
to these input terminals from an external image supply device (not
shown) such as a video player, a personal computer, etc. The video
signal input unit 24 converts the input image signal into digital
image information and outputs such image information to the entire
control processor 20.
[0074] The video-output system processor 25 is provided with a CPU,
a RAM which is used for temporary storage of various data, etc., a
non-volatile ROM, etc., and controls the video output and the light
source devices 30 and 710 by operating the CPU in accordance with
the program stored in the ROM. The video-output system processor 25
develops the image information input from the entire control
processor 20 in the frame memory 26. The video-output system
processor 25 performs a scaling process, a trapezoidal distortion
correction process, and a color correction process, etc. on the
image information. Moreover, the video-output system processor 25
controls the light source devices 30 and 710, and the
liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B.
[0075] When the liquid-crystal driving unit 14 drives the
liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and 400B in
accordance with the image information input from the video-output
system processor 25, the light emitted from the light source
devices 30 and 710 is converted into the image light in response to
the image information by the liquid-crystal light modulation
devices 400R, 400G and 400B. The image light is projected by the
projection optical system 600.
[0076] The activation process performed when the power source of
the projector 1 is turned ON will be described.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an activation process of the
projector 1 according to the embodiment.
[0078] When the power source is turned OFF, the power source key
included in the operation receiving unit 21 is pushed down to cause
the power source to be turned ON, the entire control processor 20
is activated to reset-release the video-output system processor 25
(step S101). The video-output system processor 25 is activated when
reset-released, and sets the video output based on the parameters
stored in the storage unit 22 (step S201). In particular, when the
initial image is displayed, the initial image data (logo image
data) is written in the frame memory 26. The initial image data is
converted based on the information on installment state, the
information on trapezoidal distortion correction value, the
correction value information for pixel deviation and the correction
value information for color unevenness, etc., which are stored in
the storage unit 22.
[0079] The video-output system processor 25 prepares to light the
light source devices 30 and 710 (step S202). In particular, the
video-output system processor 25 prepares to light the light source
devices 30 and 710 based on the light source type for the driving
target, the information on lighting numbers of the laser light
source, the current value when the light source is lighted and the
light source balance adjustment value, which are stored in the
storage unit 22. When the light source devices are prepared to be
lighted, the video-output system processor 25 notifies the entire
control processor 20 that the preparation is completed (step
S203).
[0080] The entire control processor 20 performs the predetermined
decision when receiving the notification of the completed
preparation to determine whether the projector 1 is normal or
abnormal (step S102). The predetermined decision includes
detections of whether or not the fan functions normally, whether or
not the motor for the aperture functions normally and the aperture
is fully opened, whether or not the motor for the lens shutter
functions normally and the lens shutter is fully opened, and
whether or not the sensor for measuring illuminance values of the
light source devices 30 and 710 is correctly worked, and a decision
of whether or not everything is normal.
[0081] When the predetermined decision has at least one result
showing an abnormal state (step S102: abnormal), the entire control
processor 20 does not instruct to light the light source devices 30
and 710 and finishes the activation process. When the predetermined
decision has a result showing that everything is normal (step S102:
normal), the entire control processor 20 instructs the video-output
system processor 25 to light the light source devices (step
S103).
[0082] The video-output system processor 25 lights the light source
devices 30 and 710 and starts to project the initial image when
receiving the instruction to light the light source devices (step
S204). The video-output system processor 25 transitions to a light
source lighting state (step S205). The light source lighting state
means a state where the light source devices 30 and 710 are
lighted. Finally, the video-output system processor 25 finishes the
activation process.
[0083] The entire control processor 20 activates an OS (Operating
System) after instructing to light the light source devices (step
S104). The entire control processor 20 initializes various drivers
(step S105). The entire control processor 20 controls a power
source of a peripheral circuit (step S106). The entire control
processor 20 transitions to a normal projection state (step S107).
The normal projection state means a state where the image is
projected based on the image signal. Finally, the entire control
processor 20 finishes the activation process.
[0084] The embodiment stated above has the following
advantages.
[0085] (1) The entire control processor 20 of the projector 1
controls the whole projector 1. The video-output system processor
25 controls the video output and the light source devices 30 and
710. The storage unit 22 stores the parameters used when the
video-output system processor 25 controls the video output and the
light source devices 30 and 710. The video-output system processor
25 controls the video output and the light source devices 30 and
710 based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 22. Since
the video-output system processor 25 reads the parameters stored in
the storage unit 22 and controls the video output and the light
source devices 30 and 710 when reset-released and activated, it is
not necessary to receive the information on the parameters from the
entire control processor 20. Thus, the video-output system
processor 25 can be activated to set the video output and to
prepare to light the light source devices 30 and 710, even when the
entire control processor 20 still performs the activation
process.
[0086] Moreover, the video-output system processor 25 notifies the
entire control processor 20 that the preparation is completed. The
video-output system processor 25 is able to project the initial
image by lighting the light source devices 30 and 710 immediately
after receiving the instruction to light the light sources from the
entire control processor 20. Therefore, the video-output system
processor 25 is able to light the light source devices 30 and 710
even when the entire control processor 20 still performs the
activation process (OS activation, initialization of various
drivers, or control of the peripheral circuit). Thus it is possible
to shorten a time from when the power source of the projector 1 is
turned ON to when the light source is lighted. The viewer is able
to watch the video early after the power source of the projector 1
is turned ON. Especially, it is useful to the projector having the
solid light source such as the laser light source, which takes a
short time from lighting to reach to the maximum brightness.
[0087] (2) According to this projector 1, when the parameters are
changed, the entire control processor 20 stores the changed
parameters in the storage unit 22. Therefore, the video-output
system processor 25 is able to refer to the changed parameters.
Since the entire control processor 20 does not need to communicate
with the video-output system processor 25 to give information on a
change in parameters, it is possible to simplify and speed up the
program process.
[0088] (3) According to this projector 1, the video-output system
processor 25 activates in accordance with the activation command,
i.e. reset-release from the entire control processor 20. Therefore,
the video-output system processor 25 is able to remain in a reset
state until the activation command arrives, thus power consumption
can be reduced.
[0089] (4) According to this projector 1, when the parameters are
changed in the menu image, the entire control processor 20 stores
the changed parameters in the storage unit 22. Therefore, even if
the parameters related to the video-output system processor 25 are
changed by the menu image, the video-output system processor 25 is
able to read the parameters from the storage unit 22 when
activated, and start to control the video output and the light
source devices 30 and 710.
[0090] (5) According to this projector 1, when the power source is
turned OFF, the storage unit 22 stores the value for balancing the
light sources. Therefore, the video-output system processor 25 is
able to read the value for balancing the light sources from the
storage unit 22 when activated, and to start to control the video
output and the light source devices 30 and 710.
[0091] (6) According to this projector 1, the video-output system
processor 25 notifies the entire control processor 20 after the
light source devices 30 and 710 are prepared to be lighted. After
receiving the notification, the entire control processor 20 detects
whether or not the fan that is the cooling mechanism functions
normally, whether or not the motor for the aperture functions
normally and the aperture is fully opened, whether or not the motor
for the lens shutter functions normally and the lens shutter is
fully opened, and whether or not the sensor for measuring
illuminance values of the light source devices 30 and 710 is
correctly worked, and determines whether or not everything is
normal. When the predetermined decision has a result showing that
everything is normal, the entire control processor 20 instructs the
video-output system processor 25 to light the light source.
Therefore, the video-output system processor 25 lights the light
source devices 30 and 710 when the predetermined decision has a
result showing that everything is normal. Thus the light sources
advantageously avoid being lighted when the projector 1 has even
one malfunction.
[0092] The invention is not limited to the embodiment stated above,
but may be achieved by various modifications and variations. The
modified examples will be described hereinafter.
Modified Example 1
[0093] In the embodiment stated above, the storage unit 22 is
configured to be readable/writable by either of the entire control
processor 20 and the video-output system processor 25 as a single
storage unit. However, the storage unit (non-volatile memory) may
be configured to be a plurality of storage units (for example, two)
(not shown). One of the storage units may be connected to the
entire control processor 20 and the other may be connected to the
video-output system processor 25. In this case, the parameters used
for the video-output system processor 25 (including the ON/OFF
setting information of initial image display when activated, the
information on installment state, the information on trapezoidal
distortion correction value, the information on lighting numbers of
the laser light source, the light source type for the driving
target, the current value information when the light source is
lighted and the light source balance adjustment value) are stored
in both of two storage units. When the parameters are changed by
the image menu, the changed values are firstly stored in the
storage unit connected to the entire control processor 20. The
entire control processor 20 notifies the video-output system
processor 25 of a change in the parameters. The video-output system
processor 25 may update the parameters in the storage unit
connected to it based on the received notification. Therefore, it
is possible to synchronize each of the parameters stored in two
storage units.
Modified Example 2
[0094] In the embodiment stated above, the frame memory 23 is
connected to the entire control processor 20, and the frame memory
26 is connected to the video-output system processor 25. However,
instead of the frame memories 23 and 26, one frame memory (not
shown) shared by the entire control processor 20 and the
video-output system processor 25 may be provided.
Modified Example 3
[0095] In the embodiment stated above, the entire control processor
20 detects, as predetermined decisions, whether or not the fan
functions normally, whether or not the motor for the aperture
functions normally and the aperture is fully opened, whether or not
the motor for the lens shutter functions normally and the lens
shutter is fully opened, and whether or not the sensor for
measuring illuminance values of the light source devices 30 and 710
is correctly worked. However, the video-output system processor 25
may detect and determine if there is any detection performable by
the video-output system processor 25 among the predetermined
decisions.
Modified Example 4
[0096] In the embodiment stated above, when the power source is
turned ON (when the power source key is pushed down), the entire
control processor 20 reset-releases the video-output system
processor 25. However, the video-output system processor 25 may not
need to be reset-released by the entire control processor 20. The
video-output system processor 25 may be reset-released before the
power source is turned ON. The video-output system processor 25 may
light the light sources after receiving the instruction to light
the light source devices from the entire control processor 20 even
in this case. Thus it is possible to avoid lighting the light
sources at an undesired timing or with undesired parameters.
Modified Example 5
[0097] In the embodiment stated above, the first light source
device 30 for emitting the red light and the green light and the
second light source device 710 for emitting the blue light are
provided. However, the configuration of the light source device is
not limited thereto. For example, a single light source device (not
shown) which emits the laser beam as the blue light may be used to
allow the blue light from the light source device to enter the
rotational fluorescent plate (not shown). The fluorescent layer
(not shown) provided on the rotational fluorescent plate may be
configured to convert part of the blue light from the light source
device into the light including the red light and the green light,
and to cause a remaining part of the blue light to pass through
without conversion.
Modified Example 5
[0098] In the embodiment stated above, the light source devices 30
and 710 are the laser light sources. However, another other solid
light source such as an LED light source may be used, or yet
another light source such as a discharge light source lamp may also
be used.
Modified Example 6
[0099] In the embodiment stated above, the projector 1 has the
transmissive liquid-crystal light modulation devices 400R, 400G and
400B as the light modulator. However, the reflection type light
modulator such as the reflection type liquid-crystal light
modulation device may be employed. Furthermore, the micromirror
array device, which modulates the light emitted from the light
source by controlling the emitting direction of the incident light
for each micromirror as the pixel, may be used as the light
modulator.
* * * * *